Breanna Stewart's partner Marta pens emotional note on 2x MVP's triumph over tragedy highlighting loss of her father-in-law

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart recently graced the digital cover of Sports Illustrated, where she spoke about her father-in-law and devoted superfan Josep Xargay, who is the father of her wife, Marta Xargay. Following the release of the story, Marta took to Instagram to express her gratitude towards Stewart.

Josep, a passionate basketball fan, traveled worldwide to support Breanna Stewart and Marta, even as his health declined following a lung cancer diagnosis. When flying became impossible, he continued to cheer from his hospital bed.

In October, Josep passed away on the day Breanna Stewart was heading to the WNBA Finals. With the story now published, Marta posted a message on Instagram, saying:

“You never know what a person is going through. It's easy to judge without knowing! Thank you for being there for me all the time, wifey.”

Dealing with grief, Stewart’s performance during the Finals was affected, and the Liberty lost the series to the Las Vegas Aces.

Despite the tragic loss, Stewart has bounced back strongly this season, averaging 19.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per game for the Liberty.

Breanna and Marta tied the knot in a private ceremony in July 2021. They have two children: a daughter named Ruby and a son named Theo Josep.

Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty secure playoff spot

Following a victory over their Finals opponents, the Las Vegas Aces, the New York Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, have secured their fourth consecutive playoff spot.

In their sixth consecutive win, Stewart contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, helping the Liberty to a league-best 23-4 record. They are 15-2 in the Eastern Conference and an impressive 12-1 at home.

The Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx are next in the standings with 19 wins each, while the Aces and Seattle Storm are fourth and fifth with 17 wins each.

Ionescu scored 23 points on 21 shots, with Jonquel Jones adding a double-double of 10 points and 17 rebounds in the win. This was the Liberty’s first game since the league's Olympic break.

Stewart averaged 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game during the Olympics, contributing to Team USA's gold medal victory.

She was named to the Olympics All-Star team, alongside A’ja Wilson, who was named MVP with averages of 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, including a standout 21-point, 13-rebound performance in the gold medal game.